Every balanced diet recommends eating sweet treats in moderation. It's probably best you don't think about that at the Sunshine Coast Dessert Festival, though. No one is being sensible at a fest dedicated to cakes, brownies, ice cream, doughnuts, crepes and lollies, after all. Thanks to a hefty lineup of dessert food trucks, you'll have plenty of dishes to choose from. Also on offer: dessert dumplings and dessert wine tastings. Demonstrations, live music and artisan markets are on the bill as well, so you'll have something to do when you're not gulping down the sugary stuff. It all takes place on Saturday, February 15, running from 10am–7pm. Head north and make a day of it, with the fest taking over Aussie World. That means you can just nab a $10 ticket (with all food bought for separately), or pay $40 and get access to the venue's rides as well. Mini golf and a sideshow alley are also part of the Palmview spot, too.
Usually, Sonic Masala rolls around in the second half of the year, filling Club Greenslopes with local bands for a huge — and hugely affordable — day-long music festival. But little about 2020 has proceeded as usual so far, especially with bushfires ravaging the country. So, come March, the event's powers-that-be are putting on an early gig to raise money for disaster relief. Sonic Masala Fest: Bushfires, Rack Off! takes place from 11am on Saturday, March 7, once again combining everything that a 4ZZZ-presented music festival at a bowls club should: bowls (obviously), Brissie bands (of course) and brews (naturally). And, it's bringing a packed lineup, all for the entry price of $25, with The Double Happiness, Majestic Horses, Flangipanis, Melaleuca, Minor Premiers, Relay Tapes, The Cutaways, McKisko, Spirit Bunny, A Country Practice, Marville and Tape/Off among the acts on on the bill. Once 53 tickets have been sold and the event has recouped its running costs, every single cent will be donated to the Australian Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. Young Henrys is supplying brews, with all proceeds going to the same worthy cause. And, every band has pledged its performance fees and their riders to the fundraiser as well. In other great news, you can also bring your dog along.
Most folks will tell you that there's no bad time for a margarita, and they'd be right. But there is a particularly great time to grab a glass and enjoy a sip or several: February 22, also known as National Margarita Day. To celebrate the occasion in 2020, the Osbourne Hotel is throwing a Saturday fiesta. It's a two-stage affair — head by from 6pm when the party really gets going, or drop by during the day to get the drinks and Mexican snacks started early. Five different types of margs will be on offer, including a classic, a strawberry variety, a spicy concoction with jalapenos, a frozen passionfruit version and one that goes heavy on melon. There'll also be four kinds of tacos, Mexican-style pizza, and both chicken and vegetarian nachos. Those making a night of it will also find themselves dancing to a mariachi band — combine their music with a few salty tipples, and you'll be making shapes in no time. Images: The Osbourne Hotel.
It's Brisbane's only inner-city winery, making its own vino and serving it to tipple-loving drinkers right on Wandoo Street — and, on Wednesday, January 29, the Fortitude Valley spot is sharing the love. For one night only, City Winery is letting Tomich Wines run the show. Head by from 4pm and you'll be sampling and sipping the Adelaide Hills outfit's finest concoctions. Yep, it's a good ol' fashioned cellar door takeover — for a good cause, too. With more than half of Tomich's 230-acre vineyard affected by this summer's bushfires, City Winery is helping out by showcasing its wares to Brisbane vino aficionados. Expect to try Tomich's chardonnay, sauvignon blanc and pinot noir — with tastings free, and bottle and glass sales also available in the winery and restaurant. City Winery's takeovers are a monthly occurrence, with highlighting fire-affected wineries on its agenda for the next 12–18 months.
Beer, that refreshingly boozy amber liquid, is a versatile drink. There's a brew for every occasion, including a sit-down, multi-course, winter-themed dinner. Sure, when you think about going out for a meal and pairing it with a tipple, you're usually thinking about wine. But don't discount a cold one with your culinary spread — the right beer matched with the right dish is quite the winning combination. Trust a brewery to lead the way, with Felons Brewing Co hosting its next feast from 7pm on Tuesday, July 23. All three courses will come with just the right beer, all of which has been brewed on the premises. And if you need more convincing about the merits of pairing these beverages with your meal, head brewer Tom Champion and Howard Smith Wharves executive chef Patrick Friesen will be on hand, chatting about the topic. Tickets cost $80 — and as for what you'll be eating, get ready for the likes of artichokes with parmesan and chives, a chicken liver parfait and country terrine, smoked black Angus prime rib drizzled with jus, and smores you'll cook yourself at your table. Drinks-wise, Felons' dark ale, Double Dry Hopped Pale Ale, Imperial Stout and raspberry sour are all on the menu as well.
What's better than one weekly food market in the heart of Brisbane? Two, of course — and, to spread the love, this one is over the other side of the inner city. It's great news for anyone who works at the Spring Hill and Fortitude Valley end of the CBD, and really for everyone who wants double the chances to grab a tasty lunch, some top fresh produce and all kinds of other edible bites to take home. A weekly Thursday affair, Brisbane City Cathedral Square Markets will kick off on July 25, running from 8am–2.30pm. Because it's organised by the same folks behind the Wednesday markets at Reddacliff Place, then you know what you're in for — just on a different day. As well as farm-fresh fruit and vegetables, artisanal breads and baked goods, and local seafood and meats, you'll find a range of vendors selling meals you can eat while you're there. That's handy, because we all know that it's best not to shop for food on an empty stomach.
Whether your shelves are filled with records or you're just embracing the joys of vinyl, everyone's music collection has a few gaps. That's where record markets come in — but Brisbane's latest isn't about trawling through dusty vintage discs to find old school gems. It's about supporting and celebrating local sounds. Taking place on Saturday, August 25, the Brisbane Indie Music Market will be packed with original music by local musicians and artists. With local labels also a focus, you're also likely to find supporting merch too. Love a Brissie band? Nab the record and the t-shirt. Entry is free, with the market making taking over The Triffid from 12–6pm. This afternoon-long event isn't just about shopping, though, with live bands playing so you can hear them at their best, then buy their record.
Flowers aren't the only things that'll be blooming when spring comes around — at Newstead House on Saturday, September 7, botanical-based spirits will be as well. The juniper juice will be flowing as Brisbane celebrates its second Jacaranda Gin Festival, this time in a new location. The event will also take over the historic spot for a day of gin-fuelled boozing, with more than 25 Australian and international distillers serving up their beverages for your tasting pleasure. One of the great aspects of the setting ties into the fest's name, so prepare not just to down botanical drinks, but to be surrounded by jacarandas. Entertainment-wise, expect DJs, demonstrations and discussions, so that you can dance, learn more about gin and chat about it — or all three, of course. Expect food trucks as well, because you can dedicate a day to this delicious spirit without lining your stomach. A number of ticketing options are available, starting at $35 for early birds and $45 afterwards, with ten tastings included. If you'd like to hang out in a dedicated lounge area and receive a welcome cocktail, nab a $88 ticket — or if you're feeling flush and really love your gin, $220 lets you sample until your heart's content.
It's that time again, seafood-loving Brisbanites, with the Sandstone Point Hotel hosting its annual Oyster Festival. If you're a fan of slurping down molluscs, prepare to be in your element. The fact that you'll be doing so while you're on Bribie Island adds to the fun, of course. Taking over the venue on Saturday, October 19, the day-long celebration of salty, slimy deliciousness will treat your tastebuds to oysters from all around the country, asking whether you can discern the difference. They'll be freshly shucked at the fest's oyster bars — and if you need something to snack on in-between, you can feast on the rest of the ocean's finest (and sip a few beverages) at an array of seafood and wine stalls. Anyone that really, truly loves their oysters can also take part in the competitive portion of the day, because it wouldn't be a food festival without a contest. Chef demonstrations and live music are on the bill as well, alongside a cruisy day hanging out off the Brisbane mainland, with entry costing $5. Image: Sandstone Point Hotel.
You can never have too much greenery in your life, both inside and outside your house. And, whether you're decking out your interiors or setting up a luxe outdoor hangout zone, you can never have too many homewares either. At least that's what you'll keep telling yourself while you're browsing around The Home Collective, with the northside market offering up an array of plants, pots, furniture, cushions, art and other items that belong in your house or garden. If you're keen for a sneak peek, or some design inspiration, check out the event's Instagram page. That'll motivate you to head along, we're certain. Taking place at the Wavell Heights Community Hall from 9am–1pm on Sunday, July 28, the market will kit out your abode with plenty of choices, with more than 50 stalls ready for you to peruse. Sure, there's an excuse to boost your garden and homewares cred every weekend in Brissie, or so it seems, but you just can't have to much of a good thing. Entry is via gold coin donation, which'll go to the folks at Animal Welfare Queensland.
He cultivated his love of movies by working in a video store, jam-packs all of his films with references and homages to genres and flicks he loves, and once committed one of the worst Australian accents ever heard to celluloid. If you already knew all of the above — and know how much a shake costs at Jack Rabbit Slims, where to get the best sword in Japan, and which stuntman you should never get into a car with — then you're all set for The Brightside's Tarantino Movie Trivia. On Friday, July 5, end your working week with plenty of questions about the distinctive filmmaker. It'll cover everything from QT's highly quotable lines, to his soundtracks, to every other tidbit that's relevant, and justify all that time you've spent watching Reservoir Dogs, Jackie Brown and Inglourious Basterds. And we're not saying it'll definitely be relevant, but you can always study up by reading our chat with the director, from back when he came to Australia for the release of The Hateful Eight. Entry is free, it all kicks off at 6.30pm, and you'll be able to nab pizzas from Holey Moley, too. And the timing couldn't be better, with Tarantino's latest flick, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, due in cinemas in August.
Why drink at one watering hole, when you can head to two, three, six or more? That's always been the motivation behind everyone's favourite boozy journey, aka a pub crawl. And, it's the exact same type of thinking behind the Urban Wine Walk. Taking another wander around Brisbane, it's the bar-hopping excuse every vino lover needs — if you need an excuse, that is. From midday until 4pm on Saturday, August 31, you'll saunter around the city — and between the likes of John Mills Himself, Grape Therapy, Cloakroom Bar, Super WhatNot, Greenglass, the Embassy and more — sampling wines and having a mighty fine time. As for the tipples, they'll be taken care of by a heap of top wineries, so prepare to get supping. Tickets cost $75, and are on sale now, with places limited. This moving cellar door will not only serve up more than 30 wine tastings, but also your own tasting glass — plus a voucher for another beverage, and a guide to help you plan your mosey between bars.
What's better than one party? Two. The answer is always two. You know it, we know it, and the folks at both Green Beacon Brewing Co and the Teneriffe Festival know it. Just like in previous years, the former joining isn't just joining in the fun of the latter — from midday on Saturday, July 6, it's shutting off Helen Street and throwing its shindig as well. Yep, it's a good ol'-fashioned Green Beacon block party (and yep, something can still be classed as old-fashioned even if it's only the third time it has ever happened). Expect everything a brewery get-together should have, aka multiple beers and bars, a feast of food trucks and plenty of live music. King Of The Wings, Pizzantica and Brisket and Co will be on culinary duties, so expect chicken, slices and meat galore. And because it's often sunny in Brisbane, even in the middle of winter, there'll be shady seating so you can get comfy. Image: Green Beacon Brewing Co.
Does scouring the city for secondhand threads get you out of bed in the morning? If so, come Friday, July 26 and Friday, September 6, you'd best stay up and shopping until well into the evening. That's when Studio Thrifty 4 is hosting its next Late Night Thrifting sessions — and while hitting the racks between 6.30pm and 10pm isn't all that late in most circles, it is when it comes to the vintage and pre-loved game. In fact, the store is only normally open during the daytime on weekends, so these Friday night shindigs are special for them. If that doesn't all sound great enough, in keeping with the venue's usual set-up, everything on offer costs $5. No more, no less. Trawl through clothing and accessories, nab a bargain, and start your weekend in style. Even better: all proceeds will go to Pay A Sack Forward, meaning that more than your wardrobe will thank you.
If you haven't already dropped by West Village, West End's newest spot at the old Peter's Ice Cream Factory site, then here's your new excuse: pizza and vino. For one tasty night, the inner-city site is combining two staples. The word you're looking for? It's bellissimo. From 7–9pm on Sunday, July 14, Italian-loving Brisbanites will get cosy at the precinct's Garden Pantry, sip vino and sling back slices. Salt Meat Cheese will be providing the woodfired pizzas, as well as a cheese platter filled with chilli-stuffed burrata, truffle pecorino and manchego — and, of course, your choice of wine. Tickets for this event cost $25, which is a very reasonable outlay for your Sunday night dinner. And, obviously, it's much more affordable than what we'd all like to be doing when we're tucking into an Italian feast — aka flying overseas.
Were you the kind of kid that couldn't wait to be a grown up? Now that you're an adult, do you wish otherwise. In the words of a certain TV theme tune that's been stuck in everyone's heads for a quarter-century, no one told us life was going to be this way — and so Tash York is tackling the subject in her latest cabaret, Adulting. All those parts of being an adult that get on your nerves? That's what the After Hours Cabaret Club MC will be singing and chatting about. All those silly mistakes you've made, chores you can't stand and the fact that you actually have to cook each night? They're on York's agenda, too. Adulting comes to Brisbane Powerhouse during this year's Wonderland festival, playing from Thursday, November 28–Sunday, December 1. Image: Wade Ranson Photography.
Your next bottomless boozy brunch is definitely going to feature alcohol. Depending on what you're hankering for, it could also include oysters, prawns and salmon sashimi — or Japanese egg sandwiches and strawberry French toast. They're all on the menu at Devon every weekend, alongside endless mimosas, prosecco, Devon lager and wine. As part of the Garden City eatery's just-launched bottomless brunch menu, you can pick from two options. If you're feeling hungry, the $60 Fisherman's Basket includes the aforementioned seafood, as well as grilled Harvey Bay scallops; fried calamari, hake and chips; and smoked salmon with tzatziki — and your choice of soft serve or crème brulee for dessert. Or, you can spend $40 for The Modern Aussie, which serves up the above bread products, plus cheesy mushroom arancini, smoked salmon, and your pick of barramundi or steak. As for the drinks, opt for just mimosas for an extra $29, or the whole boozy deal for an additional $39. Devon's Bottomless Brunch runs from 11am–1pm every Saturday and Sunday. Image: Jasper Ave.
This time last year, Felons Brewing Co. gave Brisbane a gift we didn't know we needed: the city's first riverside brewery. And since its doors have been open for 12 months now, the boozy Howard Smith Wharves spot is throwing a big party to celebrate. Come Friday, November 22, it's time for a whole day of beer-filled shenanigans. Running from 11am, the event will take beer-loving patrons on a tour of its limited-edition tipples from across the past year. That includes a strawberry watermelon beer, a raspberry sour and a red ale, as well as something new to mark the moment: a charcoal pineapple sour beer that's been made from more than 250 kilograms of Queensland pineapples. Attendees can also expect pineapple-flavoured birthday cupcakes, plus live entertainment — complete with a live art installation.
Come quitting time on a Friday, everyone has a spring in their step — an extra bounce, plenty of zest and the energy to tackle the weekend. With that in mind, you probably don't need an espresso martini. Still, you likely want one anyway. Enter Espresso Martini Fridays. It might be what you call your Fridays without any prompting, but at Ivory Tusk, it means $10 drinks. Taking place from 5–7pm weekly, it also means churros to snack on, as well as an end-of-week afternoon party atmosphere in a colourful Palm Springs-inspired bar with a garden terrace. As for what you'll be drinking, Ivory Tusk's espresso martinis come with La Bottiglia espresso, vanilla syrup, plus the boozy part. You can also pair it with a more substantial bite from the food menu — think tostadas, tacos, ceviche, sliders, corn grits and steak skewers.
When it comes to exercise, we all need motivation. Making sure you're healthy works, but sometimes even the best among us need a bit more of a nudge — like a great view, for example. Leafy greenery does the trick. Water, too. If you're an early bird who starts their weekend the absolute first second they can, so does soaking in the morning sunshine. Grass, the river, the sun — yep, they're all on the agenda at Newstead's Waterfront Sunrise Yoga. Taking place from 6.30am on Saturday mornings until November 30, it's a reason to roll out of bed with the sparrows. And, to pump up your energy, make the most of spring's glorious weather and feel fighting fit for summer. Sessions are free, with Newstead Harlow Hot Pilates & Yoga leading attendees through an hour-long workout. You will need to bring your own mat, and you'll want to bring a water bottle as well — all those sun salutations are bound to make you thirsty.
Do bats haunt your dreams? Is your mother called Martha? Do you have a secret identity? Maybe you've just always wanted to don a cape and run around Brisbane, starting — where else? — at the very Gotham-looking State Law Building. It's not the most expected way to mark Batman's 80th anniversary, however all of the above is on the agenda at the DC Batman Run Experience. With the iconic character becoming an octogenarian this year, this is your bat-loving chance to celebrate and get active all at once. Yes, it's exactly what it sounds like. The five-kilometre race will start at George Street, send costumed participants jogging through the streets, and then end with an after-party at the Maritime Museum at South Park. Entry costs $59 per person, which includes a limited-edition shirt, a Batman medal if you finish, and a chance to scope out the Batmobile. No, you can hop in it and speed your way through the track. The race kicks off at 5pm, with the party getting into gear from 8pm — with themed food with names such as 'Batwings', 'Holy Hamburgers Batman' and 'The Pork Belly Knight Bao' available to purchase.
Forget worms — the early bird gets gourmet bites to eat, farm-fresh produce to line the cupboards, and an enjoyable morning of browsing and shopping at Milton Markets. Every Sunday morning from 7am, more than 80 stalls descend upon the corner of Cribb and Little Cribb streets in the inner western suburb to sell tasty wares. From whenever you feel like waking up until 1pm, you can wander through massive fig trees to join them. Once a season, the Milton Markets also celebrates the change of weather — and all of the food that goes with it. On Sunday, September 15, it's doing so with Milton Markets: Spring Seasonal Flavours, which'll showcase the tastes that make everyone think of this blossoming time of year. If fresh seasonal fruit gets your stomach grumbling, you can stock up here. If a vegan eats and lemon curd cupcakes do as well, you're in luck again. Flowers will be blooming everywhere, naturally. Expect themed gourmet food stalls, decorations to suit the occasion, and live entertainment and music are on the agenda too.
This year marks a massive milestone for Australia's Lavazza Italian Film Festival: 20 years. So, cinephiles can expect a whole lot more of the fest's beloved highlights when it takes over Brisbane's Palace Barracks and Palace James St from September 25 to October 16. There'll be plenty of parties — both on- and off-screen — as well. When you're not stepping into the glossy but murky world of professional footballers with opening night's The Champion, you'll be watching the world premiere of romantic drama Promised, which features a stacked Italian Australian cast. Or, come closing night, you'll be enjoying the sights and sounds of Ron Howard's Pavarotti, an intimate documentary about one of the country's biggest stars. Loved Paolo Sorrentino's acclaimed Silvio Berlusconi biopic Loro last year? This year, the new director's cut is on the bill. The festival also pays particular attention to new Italian cinema, specifically new Italian comedies, so viewers can immerse themselves in poignant tales of tragedy, slick courtroom dramas and cross-cultural rom-coms. Keep an eye out for ensemble piece If Only, which stars Alba Rohrwacher and Riccardo Scamarcio, and arrives in Australia fresh from premiering at the Locarno Film Festival; The Armadillo's Prophecy, based on a best-selling graphic novel, and exploring a young man's friendship with an imaginary armadillo; and the equally humorous and thoughtful Ordinary Happiness, which finds inspiration in the short stories of Francesco Piccolo. With 32 movies screening over the festival's month-long run, audiences can also dive into Italian art history courtesy of a couple of movies about Michelangelo Buonarroti and Leonardo da Vinci. The blasts from the past keep coming, thanks to a two-film Bernardo Bertolucci retrospective — including a restored version of his political thriller The Conformist, and the five-hour, Robert De Niro-starring drama 1900. The Lavazza Italian Film Festival 2019 will screen at Brisbane's Palace Cinemas from September 25–October 16. For more information and to book tickets, visit the website.
Word nerds, it's your time of year. Brisbane Writers Festival is just around the corner; however that's not the only city-wide celebration of literature and language of late, with Queensland Poetry Festival also returning for another stint. As always, this tribute to waxing lyrical has compiled a diverse program that showcases the art form in a number of ways. Focused around the theme of deep listening, attendees can expect sessions on everything from signing rhymes, poetry in first languages, being playful with poems and exploring life outside of a city — plus slam competitions, parties, poetry readings, a cabaret and the returning QPF Poetry Zine Fair as well. The 2019 Queensland Poetry Festival takes place from Thursday, August 22 to Sunday, August 25 at a number of Brisbane venues, including the Judith Wright Centre of Contemporary Arts and Bloodhound Bar. Image: Queensland Poetry Festival.
Want to be surrounded by cute critters, and potentially give one a good home? Want to support the rescue groups and welfare organisations that help look after creatures with nowhere else to go? The RSPCA's annual Big Adopt-Out offers all this, plus that great feeling you get when you're helping a good cause. Basically, it's the nicest way an animal lover could spend a Saturday — Saturday, September 14 from 9am–2pm, to be specific. More than 300 mousers and pooches of all ages will promise to make your heart melt, with dedicated pavilions for both cats and dogs. That said, kittens and puppies aren't the only drawcard. Expect food trucks and live entertainment, aka perfect ways to help pass the time while you're deciding which new pet to take with you. Expect vet advice and products to purchase too, ideally for the fresh addition to your family. Entry is via a gold coin donation on the day, with adoption prices varying depending on the rescue group. Don't forget to pre-register if you're serious about heading home with a four-legged cutie — and if you're bringing your own woofer along to meet their new friend, you're more than welcome to, although they'll need to spend their time in the onsite doggy daycare while you're perusing the adoption area.
When was the last time you sat down, got cosy and listened to a story — and gave it your full, undivided attention? We're not talking about watching TV, streaming Netflix on your phone or plugging into a podcast during your commute. Instead, Bedtime Stories wants to recreate a sensation that you probably haven't experienced for years. A live radio play, this Brisbane Festival production is the creation of Dutch performance collective Urland, with Thomas Dudkiewicz talking you through the kinds of fantastical tales you used to hear when you were a kid. The show's particular story focuses on strange and menacing creatures that are brought to life on a dark and creepy night — and, to ramp up the atmosphere, it'll take place across September 17, 18 and 19 at a secret location on King Street in Bowen Hills.
Usually when you head out to see a show, you grab a bite to eat beforehand — whether you tuck into something quick at home before you leave or hit up a restaurant on your way to the venue. That's not the case with Communal Table. At this world premiere performance, which hits Brisbane Festival between for four days this September, having dinner is all part of the fun. The latest venture from Dancenorth, the production weaves a shared meal into the proceedings, with food, wine, conversation and dance all on the agenda. The Communal Table name isn't just symbolic, so prepare to sit down with 87 other folks, enjoy a shared Mediterranean feast and make a few new friends — all while enjoying performances choreographed by eight of Australia's top dancemakers.
Riverfire, one of Brisbane Festival's favourite events, which coats the city's skyline with pyrotechnics, is happening Saturday, September 28. To celebrate, waterfront bar Friday's is throwing one hell of a party — would you expect anything less? Take advantage of the bar's waterfront views and enjoy a front-row seat to the electric firework display. It's kicking off from 4pm, there'll also be plenty of booze flowing and snacks going around to keep you as fuelled as the sky will be. Tickets are $35 per person and come with a 'surprise' on arrival. Alternatively, level-up and get your hands on a VIP ticket for $80 which includes a three-hour beverage package, canapes and top-notch views of the fireworks from a private viewing area. Or, if you after more of a sit-down affair, head over to Kingsleys, which is offering three-course menu packages starting at $100 per person (or $150 with unlimited beer, wine, sparkling or soft drinks). Send off your September with a bang and get your tickets here.
Stop by Eagle Street's Riverbar and Kitchen for a drink this October, and you'll be seeing and sipping one colour: pink. With spring well and truly in the air, the riverside spot is dedicating the whole month to pink tipples — and pink food, too — as part of its Yes Way Rosé festival. The name gives away just what you'll be drinking from Tuesday, October 1 to Thursday, October 31, although there'll be multiple rosé options. Yes, you can just have a glass, sit back and stare at the water. Or, you can try a combination of vodka, sparkling rosé and raspberry sorbet, or perhaps opt for a rosé spritz. Because the weather is getting toastier, you can also cool down with a frosé. As for the snack menu, options include sugar-cured salmon and beetroot crostini with horseradish and amaranth, as well as potato and Italian sausage pizza with rose onions and purple basil. And, for dessert, there's also lemon and strawberry meringue tarts, too.
If you haven't stopped by Fortitude Valley's own winery since it opened back in March, it's probably time to mosey on down. Vino is a great motivator, after all; however if that's not enough, a free meal should certainly help. On Monday, September 23, City Winery Brisbane will be taking care of your midday hunger pains. With the Wandoo Street venue launching its new lunch range, it's offering everyone who pops by between 12–2pm a complimentary bite. On the menu: freshly smoked meats, pickles and fermented cabbage, which you can tuck into on a fresh bun or in salad bowl — the choice is yours. Free Rolls and Bowls will serve up a vegetarian option, too — and although the wine isn't free, you'll be in the right spot to purchase some. If you can't make it along on the day, you can still try out the lunch menu on Mondays and Tuesdays afterwards, although it'll cost $13. Image: City Winery Brisbane.
PARK(ing) Day is back and, as always, it has a fantastic aim: to turn regular old car parks into vibrant pop-up parks for a few hours. It's an international affair, with Brisbane getting involved between 10am–2.30pm on Friday, September 20 on Little Stanley Street. Mosey on over to South Bank, and you'll find greenery, 40s-era antics, an art-making space and a chill-out zone. You can also pot some plants, step into the world of sustainable fashion, browse a design library and just get comfy on a grassy spot, too. Relaxing, like you would in a normal ol' park, is the aim of the game as much as livening up usually boring patches of road. If you love music, getting arty and contributing to a collaborative installation, look out for Hands on Art's fun for the day. You can either write your favourite lyrics on the side of a huge box, decorate album covers or make your own — and channel your inner rock or pop star. Image: Brisbane City Council.
At Boho Luxe Market (their words, not ours), Byron Bay comes to Brisbane. Well, the beachy New South Wales spot's general vibe does at least. Forgoing the trappings of the city for bohemian fashion, jewellery, homewares and the like is on the market's agenda, and has been in Melbourne for the past few years. Earlier in 2019, it brought a three-day version up north to see if Brisbanites respond well to dreamcatchers and flower crowns — and clearly we did, because it's coming back again. If that sounds like your kind of thing, then block out Friday, December 6 to Sunday, December 8 in your diary. The Boho Luxe Market will head to The Old Museum for a weekend of browsing and buying, food trucks, live music and more. There'll also be a dedicated vegan section, plus a kombi display and glamping providers tempting you into booking your next holiday. Entry costs $5, with kids under 12 allowed in for free. Drop by and pretend you're somewhere quiet and coastal on Friday from 5pm–9pm, Saturday from 9am–8pm, and Sunday from 9am–3pm.
The working day is done, and you're ready to relax with a cold one. On Tuesday, September 10 and Wednesday, September 11, if you head to Eagle Street Pier, you can also sip a couple of brews for free. From 4–8pm each day, the inner-city spot will play host to a beer keg-filled kombi, which'll be pouring free samples. You'll be sipping Helios Brewing Company's finest beverages, and each person can grab two freebies. The giveaway is part of an Australian road trip by hotel chain Four Points by Sheraton, with the kombi hitting the road, travelling around the nation and sharing the brews. You'll also be able to meet local brewers, enter a competition to win a trip to New Zealand, and score a special beer and wings deal at Four Points by Sheraton Brisbane if you're still feeling thirsty — or hungry — afterwards.
Why drink at one watering hole, when you can head to two, three, six or more? That's always been the motivation behind everyone's favourite boozy journey, aka a pub crawl. And, it's the exact same type of thinking behind the Urban Wine Walk. Taking another wander around Brisbane, it's the bar-hopping excuse every vino lover needs — if you need an excuse, that is. From midday until 4pm on Saturday, November 23, you'll saunter around West End and South Brisbane — and between the likes of Wandering Cooks, The Fox Hotel, Archive Beer Boutique, Chu the Phat, Cobbler, Billykart and more — sampling wines and having a mighty fine time. As for the tipples, they'll be taken care of by a heap of top wineries such as Small Island Wines, La Petite Mort and Dirt Candy Wine, so prepare to get supping. Tickets cost $75, and are on sale now, with places limited. This moving cellar door will not only serve up more than 35 wine tastings, but also your own tasting glass — plus a voucher for another beverage, and a guide to help you plan your mosey between bars.
Stressful day? Need a break from the 9–5? Looking to unwind? Forget meditation, soothing music or whatever your usual relaxation routine entails — it's ping pong time. Until Friday, September 13, if you're handy with a bat and in the vicinity of Brisbane Quarter, there's nothing a free game of table tennis can't fix. That's what you'll find at The Bat Lounge at 300 George Street from 9am–8pm daily, as well as tables, bats, balls and the telltale sounds of games in action. That's all there is to it — that, and the cathartic release that comes from letting off steam while hitting a lightweight sphere back and forth. Yes, it's more effective than it sounds. There's also the chance to show off your skills, hone them even further if you need a bit of practice, and to just have a friendly game with your mates, of course. Image: Claudia Baxter
How many cats can you pat in 20 minutes? Don't know? Would you like to find out? Of course you would. From 5.30pm on Friday, August 30, Lutwyche's Cat Cuddle Cafe is hosting speed-patting sessions. You bring your feline-stroking hands, they'll provide the kitties — and it'll cost you just $5. Getting up close and cosy to the cutest of cats is just one part of the evening's festivities. The other is a twilight market in the cafe's car park, to help sort out its shelves after making the move from Red Hill a few months back. With the venue run by a rescue organisation, all your money will go to a good cause, too. Plus, there'll be stalls from other rescue groups so you can share the support around. If you fancy something to eat or a hot beverage, the cafe will also be serving up food and drinks — because all that browsing is hungry and thirsty work. And if it all sounds familiar, that's because the Cat Cuddle Cafe has held the same shindig a few times now. Unsurprisingly, the market keeps proving a hit, so the Lutwyche Road spot keeps bringing it back for more.
It's called comfort food for a reason. Sometimes, when you've had a tough day or week, you just want to tuck into a plate of something hearty and nourishing. And, while no one utters the term 'comfort booze', perhaps they should. If a serving of gnocchi and a glass of wine (or several) brightens your mood — putting a smile on your face and keeping your stomach satisfied all at once — then make a date with Botero House's Gnocchi and Wine Night. From 5.30pm on Friday, August 30, the CBD restaurant is devoting the evening to quite the pairing. There'll be multiple dishes to choose from, including a fried gnocchi number with pumpkin, butternut, sage and brown butter that both tastes great and looks rather vivid. Head chef Dan Brown will be heroing local produce, and there'll be local and international tipples on offer to match the food — plus a mulled wine, because it is still technically winter. Gnocchi and Wine Night is an a la carte affair, but bookings are recommended by contacting the venue.
On Saturday, December 7 and Sunday, December 8, Palace James Street will become the most magical place in Brisbane. Split across the two days, all ten Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films will grace one of the venue's screens, serving up a whole weekend of wizarding wonder. BYO time-turner if you don't think you'll be able to get through it all otherwise. Ten films, you say? Yep, this really is a celebration of every Potter-related flick there is, which means the eight movie versions of J.K. Rowling's original seven books, plus both Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them and Fantastic Beasts and the Crimes of Grindelwald as well. Watch Harry, Hermione, Ron and co. spend their first day at Hogwarts, play quidditch, search for the deathly hallows and battle He Who Must Not Be Named. And, then jump back several decades earlier to explore the exploits behind one of their textbooks. Potterfest: A Harry Potter Marathon kicks off at 10am on Saturday, runs through until 11.40pm that evening, and then screens again from 10am–10.45pm on Sunday. Dressing up in costume is always highly recommended, as is indulging in the whole two days of Potter nerdery — with tickets costing $50, or $40 for Palace members.
Emporium's Piano Bar glitters every day of the year, all thanks to its cascading gold and crystal chandelier, as well as its sizeable array of shiny black mirrored surfaces. Come Christmas, it doesn't need to do much decorating to sparkle — but the luxe South Bank spot is serving up festive cocktails to get you in a merry, jolly mood. Until the big day hits, two seasonal tipples are on offer for those who like their Christmas spirit with some actual spirits. The 'Rum and Raisin' combines Ron Zacapa, Havana 7, port, chocolate bitters and a burnt cinnamon stick, while the 'Christmas Pear-ty' features Beefeater pink gin, elderflower, pomegranate and pear. They'll both set you back $20. Whether you're doing your seasonal celebrating over lunch or after work, the cocktails are available from 10am until close every day of the week. Timing your visit to coincide with the venue's regular live music lineup is recommended — hear a pianist tickle the ivories from 5pm on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, and from 2pm on Sundays. On Thursdays from 6pm, and Friday and Saturday nights from 8pm, live jazz also echoes through the space.
It's that time again, Francophiles: time to get your fix of the European nation's best music. Every year, So Frenchy So Chic heads to Brisbane Powerhouse with a stellar act to knock your French-loving socks off. And this year, they've gone big. Consider yourself a fan of all things from the country in question, plus 80s new wave music and bossa nova? Then, consider yourself a fan of Nouvelle Vague. The beloved performers return to Australia to unleash their chilled out covers — and you can return for a dose of Gallic music bliss. They came to Brissie a few years back, but they're back with more of their French pop tunes to celebrate their 15th anniversary. If you're keen on French cinema, you might've noticed that the group's name actually means new wave; spanning sources of inspiration of both the screen and sound kind, they're certainly dedicated to their cause. Highlights of their career output to date include their own takes on Joy Division's 'Love Will Tear Us Apart', Echo & The Bunnymen's 'The Killing Moon', Blondie's 'Heart of Glass' and Violent Femmes' 'Blister in the Sun'.
We can't all celebrate spring in Italy, sorry, but Brisbanites can do the next best thing. And even if you managed to hop over to Europe when their flowers were blossoming earlier in the year, you can pretend you're still there while the season is in full bloom in the southern hemisphere. There'll be colourful Italian cocktails and plenty of Italian cuisine when the one-day Laneway Spritz Party comes to Welcome to Bowen Hills on Saturday, November 9. Clearly you know what you'll be drinking, with different varieties available at multiple pop-up bars. Food-wise, expect a hefty lineup — and expect to feast your way through pizza, burgs, gelato and more. Capping things off, the joyful refrain of classic Italian music will echo throughout the precinct, providing the soundtrack to the cries of "saluti!".
Brisbane's latest beer and food festival arrives on Sunday, November 10, bringing brews and bites to the city's south. Finish your weekend with a cold one from a range of craft breweries, and use it to wash down the array of cuisine — all between 3–8pm at Yeronga Services Club. Brews-wise, Helios, Yenda, Ballistic and Brick Lane are all on beer duty — and they all know a thing or two about craft tipples. Plus, Ballistic and Helios are also locals in the very sense of the word, given that they're based in Salisbury and Yeerongpilly, respectively. On Yeronga Craft Beer and Food Festival's food lineup, expect Sate House's steamed buns, dumplings, dim sims and satay sticks; Food Mood's Thai, Korean and Japanese-style fried chicken; and Mediterranean eats from Shanks-a-Lot. Entry is free, and there'll also be live music — plus a jumping castle for those bringing littluns.
Once a year, when the weather warms up, Brisbane indulges its love of rosé in a big way. Yes, even bigger than this pink wine-loving city usually does. Plus, while everyone's sipping drinks in a heritage-listed building, they'll be doing so for a good cause. Rosé Revolution is back for a fifth year in Brissie, with 2019's tipple-fuelled event taking place at The Old Museum between 2–6pm on Saturday, November 16. On the menu is rosé and canapes, with two packages available: an $85 ticket, which gets you a glass on arrival, ten tastings and a special VIP area; and a $45 option, which doesn't start until 3pm, and doesn't include the samples either. Either way, attendees can keep purchasing pink-hued beverages from the bar — and bottles to take home, too. And, proceeds from each ticket will be donated The Hunger Project, so your Saturday afternoon drinking session will be helping others.
You can never have too much greenery in your life, both inside and outside your house. And, whether you're decking out your interiors or setting up a luxe outdoor hangout zone, you can never have too many homewares either. At least that's what you'll keep telling yourself while you're browsing around The Home Collective, with the northside market offering up an array of plants, pots, furniture, cushions, art, ceramics, candles and other items that belong in your house or garden. If you're keen for a sneak peek, or some design inspiration, check out the event's Instagram page. That'll motivate you to head along, we're certain. Taking place at the Wavell Heights Community Hall from 9am–1pm on Sunday, October 13, the market will kit out your abode with plenty of choices, with more than 50 stalls ready for you to peruse. Sure, there's an excuse to boost your garden and homewares cred every weekend in Brissie, or so it seems, but you just can't have to much of a good thing. Entry is via gold coin donation, which'll go to the folks at Animal Welfare Queensland.
Say cheers to beers by the river this spring, all thanks to Brisbane's Howard Smith Wharves precinct. You can stop by the site's resident brewery, Felons, any time you like, of course — but this two-day event will bring a whole heap of booze-makers together, pour plenty of beer and cider, and combine sitting on the grass, soaking in the sunshine and taking in the watery view. Running from 1–8pm on both Saturday, October 19 and Sunday, October 20, Beers on the Lawn aims to become an annual attraction — because, if there's one thing that Brissie can't get enough of, it's excuses to sink cold ones. For the inaugural event, the frothies will be flowing from Felons, Range, Helios, Slipstream and Aether, as well as Semi-Pro, Brouhaha, Ballistic and Soapbox. In addition to beers and then more beers, attendees will be able to tuck into burgers — of both the classic and falafel variety — plus charcoal-grilled chicken skewers, roti canai and good ol' sausages in bread. Wines and spritzes will also be on the drinks menu, and, in terms of entertainment, you'll be able play lawn games and listen to live tunes.
UPDATE, June 10, 2022: Hustlers is available to stream via Stan, Netflix, Google Play, YouTube Movies, Prime Video and iTunes. Kudos to the bright minds behind Hustlers' many needle drops. When the film's trailer hit, it used Cardi B's 'Money' as its soundtrack — not only nodding to the rapper's co-starring status, but capturing the movie's materialistic vibe with its sultry lyrics about diamonds, jets and oh-so-much cash. In the picture itself, Janet Jackson's 'Control' initially does a similar job, opening the feature with a statement that really couldn't sum up its characters better. While they're literally rolling around in moolah until the global financial crisis hits, Hustlers' resourceful strippers are always at the mercy of their banker clientele. Forced to get creative when times get tough, they turn the tables on the guys usually throwing notes their way, hatching quite the entrepreneurial scheme to reclaim their bodies, lives and independence. The pesky little fact that, by drugging well-off men, running up huge charges on their credit cards and pocketing the profits, these gals are as shady as their Wall Street marks — well, Hustlers has a music cue for that also. It might seem obvious to introduce Jennifer Lopez's Ramona, the mastermind of the group, to the sounds of Fiona Apple's 'Criminal'; however, her eye-catching entrance shows that her allure is as seductive as the song's beat. Elsewhere, the film lets its characters scream in delight to Britney's 'Gimme More' and serenade Usher (as himself) to his own 'Love in the Club'. It uses Lorde's 'Royals' to telling effect, too. These are knowing, savvy music choices in a picture that's always coolly calculating. To truly unpack this real-life tale of bling-coveting erotic dancers scamming the financiers who just fleeced a nation, it needs to be. Experienced at disrobing on the job, but nervous when she moves to a new New York strip joint in 2007, Dorothy (Crazy Rich Asians' Constance Wu) hardly follows the film's lead — at first. Known as Destiny on stage, she's barely getting by until she becomes as bewitched by Ramona as all the guys around her. Standing out among the other dancers (including not just Cardi B, but Lizzo), their double-act lights plenty of clients' fires and keeps the duo flush with cash. Then, post-GFC, the dollar bills stop raining from the sky. Fast forward to 2014, and Dorothy is relaying the details to Elizabeth (Julia Stiles), who's writing about the strippers' escapades. More than just a framing device, the pair's chats have a basis in actual events, with writer/director Lorene Scafaria (The Meddler) adapting Hustlers from a 2015 New York magazine article. It's not the heady, dancing heyday that Elizabeth is most interested in, however, and nor is the piece that Hustlers is inspired by. Rather, it's the hijinks that follow when Ramona concocts her pilfering plan. Aided by two other pals (Keke Palmer and Lili Reinhart), Dorothy and Ramona start living their wildest dreams — enjoying a level of wealth, excess, comfort, security and, yes, control that they've never experienced before. "I kept thinking there was some magic number," Dorothy notes as she tries to explain what the women got up to, how and why, although the film does a perceptive job of making that plain beyond her words. Playing out like a gender-flipped Magic Mike meets The Wolf of Wall Street, the movie doesn't turn its characters into heroes by any means. But, it saves its deepest savagery for another target: the money-hungry American dream that today's brand of corporation-favouring capitalism gleefully encourages and endorses. It's a delicate balancing act, thoughtfully interrogating Dorothy and company's story without glorifying their actions — and it's one that Hustlers nails. Like many a great heist and gangster flick before it, this upbeat crime drama eschews the simplicity of black-and-white morality. Aptly, given that it's constantly bathed in neon-lit hues, it avoids mere shades of grey, too. Here, all that glitters seems gold and silver, but it's really laden with chrome and encrusted with diamantes. Scafaria styles her whole picture in the same fashion, with its shining frames welcoming viewers in, then exposing the stark, seedy reality. The twist that makes Hustlers exceptionally astute as well as engaging and entertaining? While Dorothy and Ramona desperately want to gain control, they're still firmly steeped in a flimsy, male-defined world. Accordingly, their rise to the top was always going to prove fleeting and superficial — so the bonds they make and break along the way shape their story more than the cash, jewels and designer clothes. Hustlers never shies away from this fundamental truth, or from a warts-and-all depiction of its wily protagonists as well. It can't, and it's all the better for it. Of course, if Wu and the especially fantastic Lopez didn't ground this larger-than-life true story in fleshed-out characters, it'd all mean next to nothing. Thankfully, from its spicy narrative to its potent themes to its stellar performances, Hustlers both works the pole and packs an almighty punch.
One day. Three movies. Plenty of bumps, jumps, frights, spooks and scares. That's what's on the agenda at Kristian Fletcher's 2019 Halloween Movie Marathon, with the cult movie buff once again honouring the most unsettling time of the year. A trio of flat-out horror classics will hit the big screen at Metro Arts on Saturday, October 26, with Fletcher's picks dating from the 60s through to the 80s. Tickets start at $13.50 for a single movie — or you can stay for all three for $21.50. If you're a fan of Netflix's The Haunting of Hill House, then check out the first film based on the same horror novel, aka 1963's The Haunting. Once you've been creeped out in a spooky manor, it's time to lose yourself to a witchy ballet school all thanks to the original 1977 version of Suspiria. Then, prepare for a visit to the 80s — and a glimpse a slasher genre icon, too. Go back to camp, keep an eye out for a very young Kevin Bacon and see what Jason gets up to in the OG Friday the 13th.
First, there was the Weekend of Darkness. Then came the Weekend of Tartness — aka the sister festival The Scratch just had to have. Where the former has celebrated ales, porters, stouts and other tipples at the dark end of the spectrum since 2013, the latter cartwheels to the opposite end of the extreme spectrum of beer styles. If it is tart and tangy, it is likely to be on the menu. Over the two days of Saturday, December 7 and Sunday, December 8, more than 20 of the funkiest, sourest, most refreshing beers being produced in Australia and around the world will take over the taps of the Milton hangout. It might sound like a gimmick, but these biting brews have been around longer than you might think. In fact, historically, all beers used to be sour. Drinking is only part of the fun, with tasty food and a pumping soundtrack adding to the atmosphere. And as for what you'll be drinking, keep an eye on the event's Facebook page.
Gin, an underground bar and the start of the weekend — it's a winning combination. Fresh from letting Four Pillars take over the joint a few months back, The Boom Boom Room is giving Brookie's Gin the run of the place for a whole a night, with the latest juniper-flavoured party going down on Friday, November 1. Enjoy your after-work, end-of-week tipple at Elizabeth Street spot, and you'll be treated to a one-off range of inventive gin cocktails. The beverages come courtesy of Cape Byron Distillery's Glenn Morgan — because more than one gin outfit will be getting some love. Teaming up with the venue's own Joseph Chisholm, he'll be whipping up concoctions you won't get to taste on any other date. Head along, spend an evening sipping drinks below street level and say cheers to all of the above. Entry is free, but places are limited, so reserving a table for this boozy night is recommended — you can do so by registering online.
Sunday session: they're two of the finest words in the English language, particularly if you like ending your weekend in style (and forgetting that you have to go back to reality the next day, even just for a few hours). Thanks to Salt Meats Cheese, they're about to be joined by a few more excellent terms: Aperol Spritz jugs and pizza. Until Sunday, December 29, that's what's on the menu from 12–6pm every Sunday at SMC's Gasworks store. Farewell your few days off with a sip, a bite and some tunes — and don't pay more than $29. As part of the weekly event, SMC is serving up spritz jugs for $19, and pizzas and antipasto platters for $10 — but you'll have to buy a jug to get the cheap eats. Either makes a good choice, but a few slices and plenty of sips go hand in hand. Just pick your favourite from a selected menu and settle in for the arvo.
